Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Crawford County Career and Technical Center Practical Nursing Program

Crawford County's practical nursing program produces earnings below Pennsylvania's median ($44,436 versus $47,572 after four years), ranking in just the 40th percentile among the state's 53 programs. That gap matters: top programs like Delaware County Technical School see graduates earning nearly 50% more. With 65% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here are making significant financial sacrifices for outcomes that trail their in-state peers by over $3,000 annually.

The $16,493 debt load isn't alarming on its own—it's actually slightly below Pennsylvania's median—and the 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable payments. Practical nursing credentials typically lead to immediate employment, and these earnings ($43,180 starting) provide a stable foundation. The minimal earnings growth over four years is typical for vocational nursing roles where advancement requires additional credentials rather than time in position.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, making it harder to gauge consistent performance. For families committed to staying in Crawford County for personal reasons, this program offers an affordable path to nursing employment. However, if relocation is feasible, Pennsylvania families should examine higher-performing regional programs—the earnings difference could mean $40,000+ more over a decade in the field.